Pleasure Under the Sun

Outdoor recreation is enjoyed year-round due to Orange City's mild climate. The waterways at Blue Springs State Park, Hontoon Island State Park and Deleon Springs State Park are chock full of largemouth bass, bluegills, blue and channel catfish and shellcrackers. A fishing license, required for persons older than 15 and younger than 65, may be purchased on Enterprise Road.

Charter and party boats sail from Daytona Beach on half and full-day fishing trips into the Atlantic Ocean, less than 30 miles from Orange City. You need a license for saltwater fishing.

The area's golf course:

Glen Abbey Golf Club,
391 N. Pine Meadow Dr., DeBary, 668-4209. Semi-private.

PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS

Valentine Park, a municipal facility, boasts softball (adults, kids and T-ball) and soccer fields, tennis, basketball courts, pavillion, picnic tables and playground.

Rotary Park, a municipal facility restored by the Four Townes Rotary Club, has a walking path, a stage and exercise equipment. Many local events are held at the park, which is located at the corner of Blue Springs Avenue and Highway 17-92.

Blue Springs State Park

Hontoon Island State Park is accessible only by boat and passenger ferry. It offers overnight dockage, camping, boating, fishing and a nature trail.

DeLeon Springs State Park is popular with certified scuba divers. The state park provides access to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, which contains 18,000 acres of lakes, creeks and marshes on the St. Johns River floodplain. DeLeon Springs State Park offers canoe rentals, nature trails and picnic areas.

Frontier Day, held in early March at Rotary Park, raises money for community organizations. Activities include a pancake breakfast, parade, dance, auto show, game booths, contests and food.

Sponsored by the Greater Orange City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Orange City Fall Festival is held at Rotary Park in October. It features live music, an art and crafts show, a 5-K Run, a chili cook-off, clowns and food.

Merchants, members of social and civic clubs and Santa Claus participate in the Orange City Christmas Parade with its floats, marching bands, horseback riders and bagpipers.